How To Change the Political Climate

Typically my blog posts have focused on what I am doing as an individual to promote positive change in my own life. Lately, I have been highly distracted by the current political climate. To me, politics in the past couple of years has taken on a disturbing new life of its own. There has always been a practice of mudslinging. The changes I see focus more on tactics of intimidation and misinformation--fear at much higher levels. The problem with using fear tactics is that fear is the exact opposite of love. Anything that moves us away from love is just plain wrong!

On the conservative side, people are afraid we are entering a "Big Brother" era and our rights under the constitution are being slowly taken away. On the liberal side, people fear what they perceive to be violent actions on the part of "narrow-minded" conservatives. At this point, I don't see anyone on any side truly listening and trying to understand what the "other side" is saying. IF WE CONTINUE ON THIS PATH, THINGS WILL TRULY EVOLVE AWAY FROM LOVE.

Now more than ever, it is important to ask ourselves this question. WHAT CAN I DO TO PROMOTE LOVE IN THE WORLD? How can I show people I love them, even when their political ideas are the polar opposite of mine? How can I promote peace?

First of all, it is important to remember that we are all people, regardless of our beliefs. We all come from different backgrounds and have been taught different things by our families, friends, teachers and environments. Remember how these differences play into our individual ideologies. Deep down, everyone years for love and acceptance, not judgement.

Secondly, we all need to practice looking at each other with compassion. I like to see myself as looking through Jesus' eyes. I have a tendency to be a very sensitive person and can be hurt quite easily. However, when I step away from myself and see the people who have hurt me through Christ's eyes, I see a much different picture. I am able to love them anyway. Often, I am given insight into the very things that have made those people hurt me as they have. I see how they too have been hurt and are just reacting in the only ways they know.

Finally, we need to make the attitude of forgiveness a habit. Holding on to past hurts keeps us in turmoil and prevents us from moving forward. We can never affect positive change in the world under these conditions. Let the pain and animosity go!

In this time of great change, it is important to be a force for positive change! Learn to listen without judgement! Learn to reach out in love, peace and friendship! BY REACHING OUT ONE PERSON AT A TIME, WE CAN BE THAT CATALYST OF LOVE AND PEACE IN THE WORLD! We can be change! We can be hope! We can make a positive impact on the world! It is all a question of choice. What will your choice be?